Arts Beat

HILLIARD HARPER

- Rainy weather and illness have caused recent delays, but muralist Victor Ochoa is back directing the completion of the largest mural in San Diego County. The 20-by-200-foot-long painting is going up along the wall of the administration building at the Balboa Elementary School.

Begun more than a year ago, the painting takes its theme from the region's history, from early Indian influences to today's high-tech industry.

The public is invited to assist Ochoa in painting the mural from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Though Ochoa has used scores of schoolchildren up to now, he said he now prefers help from people with some painting experience. The school is at 1844 S. 40th St., San Diego.